In spite of U.S. and Swiss Crime Investigations, Blatter was asked to continue for the next four years as FIFA President. He faced the challenge by his opponents Prince Ali and David Gill and stood victorious at FIFA’s annual congress, Zurich.
In a secret ballot voting process, Blatter got 133 votes from 209 members. Mr. Ali was able to take the voting to the second round, but finally gave up.
While addressing the crowd after announcement, the jubilant Blatter said “I thank you, you have accepted me for the next four years. I will be in command of this boat of Fifa. We will bring it back off shore.”
More nautical references!
We need in this committee women. We need ladies.
We won’t touch the World Cup. I am a faithful man, God, Allah, whoever, they will help us to bring back this Fifa. At the end of my (four year) term, I will give Fifa to my successor. It will be robust.
I like you. I like my job. I am not perfect. Nobody is perfect. Together we go. Let’s go Fifa! Let’s go Fifa! [chanting] “
On the other hand, the defeated Ali leaves the stage after saying ‘I just wanted to thank all of you. It’s been a wonderful journey. I want to especially thank all of you who were brave enough to vote for me.’
Ali was hugged and embraced by a number of officials, including Michel Platini.
- Manohar